Tracy Ann Thomson, ex-lover of body-in-a-barrel killer Zlatko Sikorsky, jailed for aiding fugitive

A former girlfriend of body-in-a-barrel killer Zlatko Sikorsky helped hide her ex-lover from police out of a “sense of misguided loyalty” during a high-profile manhunt for the fugitive, a court has been told.

Tracy Ann Thomson would have had some knowledge of the horrible fate that befell slain teenager Larissa Beilby in June 2018 after seeing reports of the teenager’s body being found.

But for days she persisted in driving Sikorsky around, collecting his property, hiding him and purchasing goods for disguise as police scoured the state for the teen’s killer.

Sikorsky – who died in November last year – violently murdered Ms Beilby, 16, at a property south of Brisbane on June 23, 2018.

Her body was found stuffed in a plastic barrel attached to Sikorsky’s abandoned ute in Stapylton.

Thomson, 43, had pleaded guilty earlier this year to being an accessory after the fact to manslaughter.

The court was told Thomson, from Palmwoods, and Sikorsky had kindled a romantic relationship “of sorts” prior to the offending.

Crown prosecutor Jodie Wooldridge said Thomson’s plea to being an accessory after the fact to manslaughter was a recognition that she knew Sikorsky must have killed the teenage Beilby and she knew Sikorsky was wanted by police.

In texts on June 27, 2018, Sikorsky told Thomson “sh-t had gone wrong” and asked for her assistance.

Over the following days she drove Sikorsky around, helping him pick up his property.

Ms Wooldridge said Thomson frequently accessed and screenshotted news articles and updates on the location of the teenager’s body and the ongoing search for Sikorsky.

“The available evidence establishes she had knowledge that Sikorsky had unlawfully killed Ms Beilby in circumstances that at least amounted to manslaughter, if not to murder,” she said.

“While she knew he was wanted for murder, she suggested (to police) she did not really want to know what had occurred and the details.”

The pair drove to the Sunshine Coast, stopping for petrol and food and along the way having sex on the side of the road.

Zlatko Sikorsky has been charged with the murder of Larissa Beilby.

Ms Wooldridge said the pair attempted to remain “under the radar” at a hotel, with Thomson purchasing a razor and hair dye to help disguise Sikorsky.

When a smoke alarm went off, she told staff it was a false alarm as Sikorsky hid in the room’s shower.

Thomson was arrested on June 29 but was not forthcoming about Sikorsky’s location.

Defence barrister Laura Reece said Thomson regretted having feelings for “such a violent man”.

At the time she told police she had feelings and a “sense of loyalty” towards Sikorsky even though she did not consider the two of them to be in a relationship.

The court was told Thomson had a dysfunctional upbringing and exhibited needy and anxious personality traits.

Justice David Boddice took into account Thomson’s co-operation and remorse, sentencing her to three years jail but ordering her immediate release on parole.

Sikorsky was due to stand trial charged with Ms Beilby’s murder and torture but died following an assault at a Brisbane prison.